Jacksonville, Florida (July 13, 2013) Dawgtown is the story of a young Pitbull who is taken from his owner and thrown into the brutal world of underground dog fighting. There he becomes a sign of hope to the others, and must lead them in a dangerous fight for freedom. It’s Gladiator meets Animal Farm.

“I’ve been researching this subject for years,” says director Justin Murphy, “and talking with various rescue organizations. In order to protect their anonymity I cannot name them, but they’ve been involved in some high-profile rescues, including busting up Michael Vick’s operation.”Refreshing about Dawgtown is that it is being produced in the style and technique of traditional hand-drawn animation, which audiences are seeing less and less of these days with the proliferation of CG.

“This is indie filmmaking,” Murphy continues, “it’s done all the time with live action, why can’t it be done with animation? We have the talent on board, and the technology makes it possible now. This is PG-13 material, and it deals with socially relevant issues.”

The filmmakers are also working with Florida State University’s internship program. “FSU’s film students are among the best and most talented in the nation, regularly winning top national honors for their student films. We are excited to offer FSU digital animation students their first opportunity for professional level work and a theatrical screen credit”, says producer Bruce Bullock, former Director of Education at the Digital Domain Institute in Florida.